Visit Provence | myeuropeantravelblog

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The best time to visit Provence is when the tourist season is over, then you can enjoy and relax in the warm sun!.

Each season has its pros and cons. In January the tourists are in the Alps or Pyrenees , in February the mimosa and almonds bloom on the Cote d’Azur . In April and May you can sit outside at restaurants and swim, and within an hour’s drive you can ski at Auron or Isola 2000. By June, the Mistral ( gusty winds) is slowing down and the resorts begin to fill up, walking is safe in the highest mountains. July and August are definitely not the best months to visit, when everything is crowded and temperatures and prices soar and tempers fare!. I will say that it is also the season of great festivals in Avignon, Aix ,Juan les Pins and Nice. Once French school holidays end in early September, prices and crowds decrease with the temperature. In October the temperature is still mild inland and on the coast!.

Planning a trip to Provence this coming fall 2017?

We offer travel planning, Villa rentals, hiring a private chef, nannies and drivers, the best itineraries, wine tasting, truffle hunting. We also offer private tours and small tour groups ( not more than 12 guests).

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28 a Aix, Aix en Provence, Antiques Michel Bianchi, Atelier Paul Cezanne, Hotel des Augustins, Hotel Negre Costes, Le papagayo, Le Passage, Les Fontaines d'Aix-en - Provence

I will say that this chic spa town encompasses the best of Provence gorgeous 17th- and 18th-century town houses, medieval streets, bustling markets, fine food, cafes, Roman baths, and former artist residents ( Cezanne & Zola)whose legacies have helped to shape France today. Once you have checked into your hotel you can easily spend the entire day wandering through the streets. The Cours Mirabeau is the main drag dotted with fountains, Rue Gaston- de- Saporta is crowded with shops, and the Manzarin quarter is the peaceful, grid-pattered district of Aix’s former bourgeoisie.

The fountains of Aix-En-Provence

The fountains des neuf canons on Rue Clemenceau marks the center of the Cours and dates from 1691. Water from the moss coated fountains on both rues de Nazareth and rue Laroque issues forth at a steaming 34c ( 93F). La Fountaine du Roi Rene ( Just before Place Forbin) is a 19th-century ode to good king Rene.

Where to stay and dine.

Grand Hotel Negre coste, Cours Mirabeau

This 17th-century townhouse is very popular with musicians who flock to Aix for the summer festivals. Rooms are excellent value and parking is available. http://www.hotelnegrecoste.com

Hotel des Augustins

Located in Cours Mirabeau. History lovers will enjoy this quirky hotel – First a 12th-century chapel, then an Auberge where Martin Luther stayed after his excommunication from Rome. (3 rue de La Masse). http://www.hotel-augustins.com

Le Papagayo

historic center. Cheap food and copious salads are served with a smile, on this bustling, sun filled square. Good place if you watch your wallet!. ( 22 place. Forum des Cardeurs) 04-42-23-98-35.

Le Passage

This converted warehouse is Aix’s most fashionable address, combining fun designs with great food ( There is an organic menu too). Art exhibitions,Live music, and even cooking classes if you have time. http://www.le-passage.fr Lunch and dinner daily.

28 A Aix

Cours Mirabeau. This chic B&B , is set in an 18th-century Aix mansion, has charming rooms, richly infused with the decorations of Aix, a tea- room, art gallery and a decorating workshop. http://www.28-a-aix.com

Michel Bianchi Antiques

You never know what you will find in this very interesting store in the small antiques quarter of Aix. It will probably be from the 17th or 18th-century. Please check it out, it is worth the stop. ( 3 rue Granet) 4-42-21-60-23

Atelier Paul Cezanne

Bread at Le passage a restaurant in Aix

Located in a cottage on Les Lauves Hill, north of the city, looks pretty much as it did when the artist died in 1906. Some of the objects that appeared in his still-life paintings are scattered around with some memorabilia, his marriage certificate. There is an authenticity and intimacy to the atelier ( workshop).( 9 Avenue Paul Cezanne); 4-42-21-06-53